WWE Raw: Examining The Best and The Worst of the Brand for 2017
By Bryan Heaton
Worst Match: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Heath Slater & Rhyno, Oct. 30
Gimmick matches based on a holiday are quite often the dirt worst. “Oh, it’s Easter? CRACK SOME EGGS ON YOUR OPPONENT AND HOP LIKE A BUNNY.” It’s terrible.
This year on Halloween Eve, WWE’s annual “Trick or Street Fight” pitted two of the most underutilized and misused teams on the roster against each other. In the midst of jack o lanterns, candy corn painted kendo sticks, and an apple bobbing tub, Gallows and Anderson took on Heath Slater and Rhyno.
As would be expected, it was not good. In fact, the best part of the whole thing was that Gallows and Anderson dressed up as Tex Ferguson and Chad 2 Badd from Southpaw Regional Wrestling for the holiday. I mean, it was countered by Rhyno as Mrs. Claus because reasons? It’s two months later and I still haven’t figured it out.
The less said about this, the better. (And don’t get me started on Miracle on 34th Street Fights, ugh.)
Honorable Mention: Enzo Amore vs. Big Cass, Aug. 21
This one deserves mention because trying to carry this match and feud to a satisfying conclusion for everyone literally destroyed Big Cass’s leg. How many times did Cass need to get a win over his former friend before both could go their separate ways?
24 hours after defeating Big Show with Enzo suspended above the ring in a shark cage (until he wasn’t), a Brooklyn Street Fight was booked between Enzo and Cass. With Enzo on the apron, Cass went for a big boot, tumbled over the ropes to the floor, and tore his ACL in the process. Unable to finish the match, Enzo won a street fight by forfeit, and Cass hasn’t been seen since – and will still be out of action for at least 5-6 months.
All because we needed just one more match between the dudes.